You can’t apply for a Tier 1 (General) category visa if you’re outside the UK, and you usually can’t switch to it from other immigration categories. From 6 April 2015 it will be closed to applicants who want to extend their visa.

Fees

How much you pay for a Tier 1 (General) visa depends on your circumstances.

Who’s applying

Applying by post in the UK

Applying in person in the UK

Applying outside the UK

You

£1,607

£2,007

Not available

You, if you’re a citizen of Croatia, Turkey or Macedonia

£1,552

£1,952

Not available

All dependants

£1,607

£2,007

£874

How long you can stay

You can extend or switch to a Tier 1 (General) visa for 3 years. However in all cases you’ll be given enough leave to take the total leave granted in Tier 1 (General) to 5 years.